Lot 5028. An archaic bronze 'mythical beast' vessel, pou, Late Shang dynasty; d. 26 cm (d. of mouth 19 cm), with Japanese wood box and two X-rays. Estimate: 200,000 - 300,000 HKD. Lot sold: 567,000 HKD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

Provenance: Ikeda Gallery, Tokyo, 2012.

Note: Pou first appeared in the Shang bronze casting repertory at the end of the Erligang phase and disappeared before the beginning of the Western Zhou. The present piece is notable for its large size and swelling volume. Its surface is intricately covered with a design of taotie and stylised dragons in low relief dotted with three prominently raised bovine heads and prominent eyes.